Iwi are divided over the legislation that will replace the Foreshore and Seabed Act, Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says.The Maori Party is backing the Marine and Coastal Area Bill and has an agreement with the Government to continue supporting it as
Iwi are divided over the legislation that will replace the Foreshore and Seabed Act, Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says.
The Maori Party is backing the Marine and Coastal Area Bill and has an agreement with the Government to continue supporting it as it progresses through Parliament, but there are signs of increasing opposition to it and MP Hone Harawira is campaigning against it.
"I've just had confirmation from some of the leaders that they're going to support us," Dr Sharples told reporters yesterday.
"There is division, because people hope for more than this Parliament can offer."
The bill will repeal the Foreshore and Seabed Act and will return to Maori the right to claim customary title to parts of the coastline through the courts or through negotiations with the Government.
The test is that an iwi must have had continuous use and occupation of the area since 1840, and some iwi say the bar is much too high.
TV3 News reported last night Ngai Tahu had decided to oppose the bill because of the terms of the test.
Mr Harawira and his supporters say Maori should get automatic title to the coastline.
The bill has passed its first reading in Parliament and the Maori affairs select committee will soon open public hearings on it.
Strong opposition from iwi will be an embarrassment for the Maori Party but it can't withdraw its support because the Government's position is that if it does, the Foreshore and Seabed Act will remain in place.
